Number of Higher Education Jobs Grows Slower in 2018

Graduating students listen to a commencement speech on June 3, 2016, in New York. Photo: Center for American Progress

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In comparison to 2017, the total number of available jobs in higher education increased during the second quarter of 2018, but at a slower rate, according to a new report by a job information website, HigherEdJobs.

After analyzing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HigherEdJobs found that higher education employment grew by 0.2 percent, the equivalent of 7,000 jobs, compared to 0.8 percent, or 29,800 jobs, in the second quarter of 2017.

The report attributed the increase in jobs to new openings at both public and private four-year colleges and universities, and a rise in postings for full-time positions.

“There could be several explanations for why job postings for part-time higher ed positions are decreasing while postings for full-time positions are increasing,” John Ikenberry, president and co-founder of HigherEdJobs said.

“The most likely is that higher education administrators and managers are experiencing more stable enrollment trends, which enable better and more accurate strategic planning regarding immediate as well as longer-term future staffing levels.”

For its report, HigherEdJobs analyzed the data and posting trends from 870 universities and colleges around the country that have continuously subscribed to the company’s unlimited posting plan for four years.